The United Nations chief migration agency has been scrubbing its website of references to sexual and reproductive health rights, gender-based violence, LGBTQ+, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, in an apparent effort to stave off steep budget cuts from the United States.
The move comes amid demands by the Trump administration to the International Organization for Migration, or IOM, and other U.N. agencies to stop work on U.S.-funded programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion projects, part of a broader freeze on funding for U.S. foreign aid.
In the U.S., the phrase “diversity, equity, and inclusion” has long been associated with affirmative action initiatives aimed at addressing historical inequalities for minorities, particularly African Americans.
About the author
Colum Lynch
Colum Lynch is an award-winning reporter and Senior Global Reporter for Devex. He covers the intersection of development, diplomacy, and humanitarian relief at the United Nations and beyond. Prior to Devex, Colum reported on foreign policy and national security for Foreign Policy Magazine and the Washington Post. Colum was awarded the 2011 National Magazine Award for digital reporting for his blog Turtle Bay. He has also won an award for groundbreaking reporting on the U.N.’s failure to protect civilians in Darfur.
